AirTags use replaceable batteries, not rechargeable ones

AirTag batteries cannot be charged. Instead, AirTags use standard CR2032 coin-cell batteries that you replace when they run out, similar to the batteries in a watch or car key fob. When your AirTag's battery dies, you open the back, remove the old battery, and insert a new one — the whole process takes about 30 seconds.

This design choice means you never plug an AirTag into power or worry about charging cables. The trade-off is that you need to buy replacement batteries periodically and remember to swap them out. A single CR2032 battery typically lasts about one year of normal use, though that varies based on how often your AirTag sends location data.

Key Takeaways

  • AirTags use CR2032 coin-cell batteries that you replace by hand, not rechargeable batteries that plug in.
  • A single battery lasts roughly one year, though heavy use or frequent location updates can shorten that time.
  • You can buy CR2032 batteries at most drugstores, supermarkets, and online retailers for a few dollars per pack.
  • Apple will send you a notification when your AirTag's battery is low, giving you time to buy and install a replacement before it dies.

How to replace an AirTag battery

Replacing an AirTag battery requires no tools. Hold the AirTag with the white side facing up and the stainless steel back facing down. Press down on the steel back and twist it counterclockwise until it stops — it will rotate about a quarter turn. The back will pop off, and you can lift out the old battery.

Insert the new CR2032 battery with the positive side (the side with the + symbol) facing up. Place the steel back on top and twist it clockwise until you hear a click. The AirTag will play a sound to confirm the battery is installed correctly. If you do not hear the sound, remove the back and check that the battery is sitting flat with the positive side up.

Where to buy replacement CR2032 batteries

CR2032 batteries are one of the most common battery types in the world, so you can find them almost anywhere. Drugstores like CVS and Walgreens stock them in the battery aisle. Supermarkets including Walmart and Target carry them. Online retailers like Amazon sell them in bulk packs, which is often cheaper per battery if you own multiple AirTags or other devices that use the same battery type.

A single CR2032 battery costs between 50 cents and two dollars depending on the brand and where you buy it. Buying a pack of four or eight batteries is usually more economical than buying one at a time. Some brands like Energizer and Duracell are widely available, but store brands work just as well.

How long a battery lasts in an AirTag

Apple states that an AirTag battery lasts about one year under normal use. That estimate assumes your AirTag is finding your location roughly once per day. If you use your AirTag heavily — checking its location multiple times per day or leaving it in a place where it is constantly searching for a signal — the battery may drain faster and last eight or nine months instead.

If your AirTag sits in a drawer and you rarely check it, the battery may last longer than a year because it is not actively searching. The AirTag will notify you through the Find My app when the battery is low, typically when it has a few weeks of charge remaining. This gives you time to order a replacement battery before the AirTag stops working.

Why AirTags use replaceable batteries instead of rechargeable ones

AirTags use coin-cell batteries because they are extremely small, reliable, and do not require charging infrastructure. A rechargeable battery would make the AirTag thicker, heavier, and more expensive. It would also require you to remember to charge it regularly and deal with a charging cable or dock.

Coin-cell batteries have been used in small tracking devices, watches, and key fobs for decades because they hold a charge for a long time and work reliably in tiny spaces. The downside — that you have to replace them manually — is a trade-off Apple made to keep AirTags as thin and light as possible. For most people, replacing a battery once a year is simpler than charging a device every few weeks.

What happens when an AirTag battery dies

When an AirTag's battery completely dies, it stops transmitting its location to the Find My network. You will not be able to see where it is or make it play a sound. The AirTag itself is not damaged — it will work perfectly again as soon as you install a fresh battery.

If you have a dead AirTag, replace the battery as soon as you can. If the AirTag is attached to something you have lost, a fresh battery gives you another chance to locate it through the Find My app. If the AirTag is somewhere you can reach, you can replace the battery and put it back into service when ready.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I charge an AirTag with a wireless charger or USB cable?

No. AirTags have no charging port and no wireless charging capability. They only work with replaceable CR2032 coin-cell batteries. Attempting to charge an AirTag will not work and may damage it.

How do I know when my AirTag battery is running low?

The Find My app sends you a notification when your AirTag's battery is low. You will see an alert on your iPhone or iPad telling you which AirTag needs a new battery. The notification usually arrives when the battery has a few weeks of charge left.

Are all CR2032 batteries the same, or do I need Apple brand batteries?

Any standard CR2032 battery works in an AirTag. You do not need Apple brand batteries. Energizer, Duracell, and store brands all function identically. Buy whichever brand is cheapest or most convenient for you.

What should I do with the old battery after I remove it?

CR2032 batteries contain small amounts of lithium and should be recycled rather than thrown in the trash. Many drugstores and electronics retailers have battery recycling bins near the checkout. You can also check Earth911.com to find a recycling location near you.

Do AirTags work in other countries, or do I need different batteries?

AirTags work worldwide and use the same CR2032 battery everywhere. The battery type does not change based on your location. You can buy CR2032 batteries in any country and use them in your AirTag.